Gold Karat

Pure gold is so soft it is rarely used in jewelry. Jewelers deal with various gold alloys, collectively called karat gold. Karat (K) tells the number of parts, by weight, of gold in 24 parts of alloy. The higher the percentage of pure gold, the higher the karat. Pure gold is 24K; 18K is 18 parts fine gold and 6 parts metal; 14K is 14 parts fine gold and 10 parts metal; and 10K is 10 parts fine gold and 14 parts other metal.

GIA Color

Most diamonds appear colorless but actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. The closer the stone comes to colorless, the more valuable it is. Diamonds are graded on a color scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (heavily tinted).

GIA Clarity

It is very common for diamonds to be formed with slight imperfections. These are known as"inclusions" and can come in many forms, including tiny white points, dark dots, or feathery cracks. The fewer inclusions, the more the stone is worth. A diamond's clarity ranking is determined by the number, size, type, and placement of the inclusions.

Diamond TW

Carat is the term used to describe the weight of any gemstone, including diamonds. Although the definition of a carat has changed over time, since 1913 the international standard has been 200 milligrams, or 1/5 of a gram. Often, jewelers describe carats in 1/8 increments.

In jewelry pieces with more than one diamond, the carats may be described in terms of total carat weight (T.W.). This is the combined total weight of all the stones in the piece.

Stone Shape

Pearl Size (mm)

Cultured pearls are sold by diameter, measured in millimeters. In general, larger cultured pearls are rarer and more costly. Price rises significantly with the size of a pearl.

Pearl Type

A pearl is formed when an irritant, such as sand or a parasite, becomes lodged in the shell of an oyster. The oyster deposits layers of a semi-translucent crystalline material called"nacre" around the intruder, where it builds up in layers like the rings of a tree. This process of building up can continue for years, resulting in a natural cultured pearl.

The Cultured Pearls we carry in our stores have replaced the natural variety as a result of cultured pearl farms that scientifically control the production. The process begins when a mother-of-pearl bead is inserted in the living tissue of the mollusk, which coats the bead with nacre. A cultured pearl is produced in one to three years.

Freshwater Cultured Pearls are cultivated in a freshwater mollusk from a lake, river or pond.

Simulated Birthstones

From the time gemstones were discovered, they were believed to have mystical powers and attributes that could be passed to the wearer. The red of ruby was fiery and passionate; cool blue sapphire was calm and composed. About 2,000 years ago, writers began pairing each of the stones and their attributes with the months of the year and the signs of the Zodiac, and with time, the mythology of birthstones evolved. People were expected to share the attributes of the stone related to their sign of the Zodiac or month of birth.

January: Garnet

February: Amethyst

March: Aquamarine

April: White Diamond/Spinel/Topaz/Sapphire

May: Emerald

June: Pearl, Alexandrite

July: Ruby

August: Peridot

September: Blue Sapphire

October: Opal/Rose Zircon/Pink Topaz/Pink Sapphire

November: Citrine/Topaz

December: Blue Zircon/Blue Topaz

Agate

Agate is a semi-precious gemstone which is classified as a banded chalcedony or micro-crystalline quartz. The individual bands or layers give this gemstone its uniqueness and character.

The layered agate material used in producing cameo gem carvings is usually cut from agates with even parallel layers, a lighter layer above a darker one. The agate used in today's cameos is naturally multiple shades of gray in color, ranging from a milky white translucent to dark gray. The lower and softer layer is dyed to produce the highly desirable blue chalcedony color, while the harder, lighter colored upper layer does not accept dying and remains white or milky in appearance.

Only two percent of all agate material mined is of a quality suitable for detailed cameo cutting. It is important to note that of this small percentage, an even smaller percentage can be dyed blue making the enclosed cameos precious and rare.

The exquisite motifs and silhouettes featured in our cameo offerings have been carved relief-style, employing the use of a highly sophisticated ultrasonic etching process and elegantly framed

Alexandrite

Discovered in Russia in the early 1800s, alexandrite is named for Tsar Alexander II and was the national gemstone of tsarist Russia. With an ability to change its color from green to red depending on the light source, alexandrite is a very unique and beautiful gemstone. A Mohs hardness rating of 8.5 makes alexandrite a very durable and trouble-free gemstone.

Amethyst

Amethyst was a valuable gem until the discovery of large deposits in South America in the late 1800s; Brazil is the primary exporter to this day, although it is common in many countries. Still, its deep and attractive color makes it extremely popular. Banding - darker and lighter zones of color - is quite common. A good amethyst will be very clear, and the deeper the color, the better. The most common enhancements are heat and irradiation. Try not to expose an amethyst to excessive amounts of bright sunlight, as this can fade its color.

Perhaps the most unusual magical power ascribed to the amethyst is its ability to prevent drunkenness. It also is supposed to bring peace of mind to the wearer, and if properly carved, prevent fatal poisoning. In some legends, it represented piety and dignity.

Amethyst is the birthstone for February.

Aquamarine

Although aquamarine comes in many colors, the most prized is a rich, clear, watery blue. Fairly large and clear, aquamarines with good color are among the more valuable semi-precious gems. They are often given step cuts, also known as"emerald" cuts, much like aquamarine's mineral sister, emerald. Good clarity is important in these stones, especially lighter ones where flaws will be more visible. Brazil is the primary source of aquamarine, although it is mined in other places as well.

Aquamarine has long been a positive stone according to legend, bringing with it health, hopefulness and youth. It was traditionally a favorite of sailors, and is said to be a good choice for anyone who loves the sea. It could also bring love and affection if worn properly. Its supernatural powers were remarkable; legend has it that a person with an aquamarine in his or her mouth could summon the devil and get questions answered.

Aquamarine is March's birthstone.

Birthstone

Birthstones are gemstones associated with a specific month, and are typically given as gifts during a birth month.

Blue Topaz

Topaz, and especially blue topaz, has grown in popularity over the years. The"pure" topaz color is yellow, and was often confused with chrysolite, the yellow variety of peridot. However, the use of distinct colors has helped topaz come into its own. Blue topaz has a watery blue color similar to aquamarine, but often without the green overtones, and its hardness and good clarity make it an excellent gem. The blue color is often enhanced through heat treatment and irradiation.

Topaz was believed to have incredible medicinal powers in the Middle Ages, even against the plague. For a healthy individual, it brought about a pleasant disposition and patience and was a symbol of fidelity and love.

Blue topaz is the traditional birthstone for December.

Blue Zircon

A classic gemstone, zircon is available in a wide range of colors. It has a great brilliance and intensive fire.

Citrine

Citrine is a clear yellow form of quartz and is often confused with yellow topaz; citrine, however, is more abundant. Because of its abundance, there are plenty of fairly large, clear stones available for jewelry. Clarity and a rich yellow color are qualities to look for in a citrine. It has some of the same characteristics as amethyst, such as alternating bands of lighter and darker color, but these bands are harder to see in citrine. Citrine often comes from Brazil.

Citrine is a cheerful gem. Its powers are said to include making its wearer lighthearted, bringing cheerfulness in tough times and offering hope. It was also believed to help relax people and expel impurities from the body. People who wore citrine could expect to look healthy and feel happy.

Citrine is the traditional birthstone for November.

Crystal

Crystal is created using a combination of silica (quartz sand) and natural minerals. To avoid stress and inclusions, the glass is cooled slowly.

Cubic Zirconia

Cubic zirconia (also called CZ) is a synthetic crystalline substance used as an affordable alternative to diamonds and gemstones. Cubic zirconia is not a mineral; it is a man-made substance, not to be confused with the natural gemstone zircon. Though much less expensive than diamonds, the brilliance and crystal clarity of cubic zirconia make it one of today's most popular stones for an attractive, yet inexpensive, diamond-like jewelry.

Most cubic zirconia is bright white to mimic the diamond. However, cubic zirconia can also be enhanced with other minerals and be manufactured in most any color of the rainbow. Cubic zirconia has a rating of approximately 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. The denseness of cubic zirconia makes it about 75% heavier than diamonds.

Diamond

Every diamond is different, incorporating a complex constellation of factors that determine its rarity and value. Although gemologists train for years to master the art and science of diamond appraisal, with a little basic instruction, anyone can learn how to read an appraisal and compare the grades of different stones.

Each diamond is as unique as the person who owns it. Just as a diamond reflects the color of the light it bears, it should also reflect the personality of the individual who wears it. Here lies the art of selecting a diamond for yourself or as a gift.

Your knowledge of yourself or a loved one is expressed in your selection. Through your choice of a diamond, you are making a public statement about yourself, your loved one, or about your relationship--and that statement is repeated every time the diamond is worn.

This is why, for many women, there is such mystique in a diamond jewelry gift, and why, for many men, there is such uncertainty in its selection. What is important in the selection of a diamond has little to do with the cost of the jewelry and much to do with the way the jewelry speaks to the relationship.

Truly flawless diamonds are very rare and very expensive, so you will seldom face the task of selecting a perfect diamond. It is a fairly simple matter to find beautiful diamonds with no flaws visible to the naked eye, and to buy them at reasonable prices.

Diamonds are graded using a system that judges the stone on its color, clarity, cut and carat weight - commonly known as the"four C's." Diamonds of uncommonly high quality and size are often sold as"certified diamonds" and come with a certificate that proves the stone's value. Even non-certified diamonds, however, should be evaluated using the four C's to help determine cost and value.

Drusy Quartz

Drusy is a sparkling carpet of fine sugar-like crystals that form over a quartz when dissolved silica carried by ground water is deposited in the porous areas of the rocks. The variety of beautiful colors comes from a special process in which the drusy is vapor coated in a special chamber with titanium or other precious metals. Drusy is believed by many to be associated with peace, tranquility, patience, intuition, unconditional love.

Drusy is a gemstone with a natural surface texture much like fine sugar crystals that formed on the quartz by the phenomena of micro-crystalline facets millions of years ago. Drusy quartz ranges from bright white to tones of pink and even violet. Drusy quartz is rated at 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is best suited for pendants, brooches, and earrings rather than rings and bracelets because of the concern of the drusy being detached.

Emerald

Emerald is one of the most valuable gems on the market. The brilliant green of a fine emerald is unmatched by any other stone, and the extreme rarity of top-quality emeralds - the most prized emeralds come from just a handful of mines in Columbia - make it fairly costly. However, there are supplies of emeralds coming out of other mines.

Almost all emeralds have inclusions in them; the fewer these impurities, the rarer and costlier the stone. Because of these inclusions, emeralds can be brittle, so protect your emeralds from hard contact when you wear them. Ultrasonic cleaners, which use vibrations to remove dirt and buildup, can be dangerous to heavily included emeralds. Natural emeralds also tend to have thin scratches on the surface. A layer of wax or oil is usually applied to smooth out their appearance and enhance their color. This layer may have to be replaced professionally every few years.

Emerald was believed to sharpen wits, bring wealth, foretell the future, tell whether a lover was lying and cure all types of evil and illness.

Emerald is the birthstone of May.

Garnet

While garnet is often viewed as a ruby substitute, it has its own unique qualities that can be appreciated on their own. It comes in a variety of colors, including many shades of red, from very pale to brick to a red-black. It comes in larger sizes, usually has good clarity and has a respectable hardness that allows it to wear well.

Like many red stones, garnet was once believed to stop bleeding. It was a symbol of loyalty and energy, promoted sincerity, and was said to have illuminative powers, both physically and spiritually. Garnet was also said to alleviate anger, promote tranquility and offer protection in health and travel.

Garnet is the birthstone for January.

Glass

Glass is fashioned from a mixture of sodium silicate, calcium silicate and silicon dioxide. Colored glass is made by adding specific metal ions to the molten glass while it is being made. Metals are transition elements and show characteristic colored compounds. Glass can be used to create look-alike gemstones.

Glass is usually clear; however, the addition of different metals and minerals can change the glass to most any color imaginable. Glass is rated at 5.5 to6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Because it can be brittle, glass is generally set in a durable metal. Glass beads are an extremely popular jewelry item.

Hematite

Hematite is a steely-gray crystal of iron oxide often used in men's jewelry.

Morganite

A member of the beryl family, morganite found its name in 1911 when it drew the attention of one of the world's most esteemed gemstone experts, George Kunz of Tiffany & Co®. He named it in honor of millionaire banker and mineral collector John Pierport Morgan.

Legend says that beryl was once used to ward off demons and evil spirits and that it can protect the wearer from danger while traveling. Other legends also state that beryl can be used to bring good luck, cheerfulness, energy, and eternal youthfulness.

Morganite is believed to nurture feelings of love and to increase tenderness in a relationship. Morganite can enhance one's communications skills and provide patience to help focus during times of stress. Along with aquamarine and emerald, morganite is probably the least-known of the beryl family, and its rarity stands in the way of it becoming a common jewelry stone.

Morganite's color can range from a soft pink, to peach, to violet-pink. Morganite is commonly heat-treated to remove any unwanted yellow tones and to produce the more desired pure pink color. Morganite is rated at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness and is a durable stone that is ideal for all jewelry purposes.

Multi-stone

Multi-stone jewelry features one or more diamonds or gemstones. The stones can be grouped in a composite, cluster, or side by side.

Multi-stone

Multi-stone jewelry features one or more diamonds or gemstones. The stones can be grouped in a composite, cluster, or side by side.

Mother Of Pearl

Mother of pearl is the iridescent internal layer of mollusk shells and is composed of the same material as pearls. Though technically not a gemstone, mother of pearl is used in all types of jewelry from watch faces to fashion jewelry.

Mystic Fire®

Mystic Fire Topaz is a colorless topaz that is enhanced with a patented azotic coating, producing a permanent and stable blue-green appearance with a rainbow of color accents. The Mystic Fire topaz is similar to the rainbow topaz but is enhanced in a completely different manner. Mystic Fire topaz is not found in nature.

Onyx

Onyx is part of the chalcedony family of colored quartz, which includes agate, cornelian and jasper. The striking black and crisp lines of onyx makes it especially popular for jewelry. Because the lines can form in many different ways, each piece of onyx has a unique appearance. Onyx is also popular for cameos - when an image is carved into onyx, the color of the next band shows through. Onyx is opaque, meaning no light shines through it. Therefore, it is usually cut into a smooth, rounded, polished dome called a cabochon.

Onyx has a variety of myths associated with it. It was supposed to drive away evil and high tempers. It was said to cool the passions of love and promote independence between lovers - which could be good or bad. Some people even believed it was a symbol of discord, a belief probably suggested by the sharply divided lines in the stone.

Opal

Opal is made of the same ingredients as quartz, except it contains a little water and has not been compressed into crystal form. As a result, it is softer than quartz and has to be treated a little more carefully to avoid damage. The shifting colors seen in opal, called"fire," are the result of microscopic spherical structures within the stone which reflect different wavelengths of light depending on their spacing, creating the colorful shimmering effect. There is no other gemstone that looks remotely like opal. It comes in both black and white varieties, with black being the rarer. Australia is the principal source of opal today. Like other non-transparent stones, it is usually cut into a smooth, rounded, polished dome called a cabochon.

Some legends say that opal is good for the eyes, both improving vision and warding off eye troubles. It also has a reputation for sharpening the mind and the emotions. Opal is a symbol of fidelity, but it came with a price, since it would bring trouble to someone who was unfaithful.

Opal is October's birthstone.

Pearl

Pearls are organic gemstones created from layer upon layer of nacre and produced in mollusk shells. Pearls are the traditional anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage and the birthstone for June. Today, because of their rarity in nature, most pearls are cultured.

Peridot

Peridot is an ancient stone, mined at least as long ago as the ancient Greeks. Peridot is also often called chrysolite or olivine, which is the proper name for the mineral. Its color is its most important quality, and can range from yellow green to a striking chartreuse. The chrysolite name, in fact, often refers to peridot that is more yellow than green. The stones have good clarity and are appropriate for faceted cuts since light sparkles through them. They are relatively soft and should be protected from abuse.

Peridot offered protection from depression and deception in Roman times, was used for inspiration and eloquence in the Middle Ages, and was also thought to cure liver disease and promote friendship. In general, it was believed to ensure good thoughts in the mind of the wearer.

Peridot is the birthstone of August.

Pink Sapphire

A variety of corundum, pink sapphire is a very hard gemstone that ranges in color from soft to deep pink. Sapphire is available in most every color of the rainbow. Sapphire is the traditional birthstone for September.

Quartz

Quartz is one of the most common crystal minerals on Earth, and offers an amazing array of varieties and names. Quartz varieties are commonly separated into two groups based upon the size of the individual grains or crystals; macrocrystalline quartz, in which individual crystals are visible to the unaided eye, and cryptocrystalline quartz, in which crystals are only visible under high magnification.

Ranging from light, pinkish violet to deepest black, quartz can be found in almost any color Quartz is rated at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Quartz is greatly important to the gem trade, accounting for a vast, diverse population of gemstones that are for the most part suitable for all jewelry applications.

Rhodolite

Derived from the Greek words"rhodon" and"lithos," meaning rose stone, rhodolite is a type of garnet that varies in color from red-violet to a rich pink-red. Rhodolite is rated 6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale and is suitable for all types of jewelry.

Ruby

Along with the emerald and sapphire, ruby is one of the most prized colored gem available. The main quality of the ruby is its bright red color. The best color usually comes from Burma and is very costly; stones from Thailand are darker but clearer and much more common. Only red stones are called rubies. If the color is too light to be called red, it is a pink sapphire.

Corundum, the main material of ruby, is the second-hardest material known after diamond - rated 9.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Inclusions and flaws are fairly common, and many rubies are treated to enhance their color. In general, one should look for a bright red stone with as few inclusions as possible. Synthetic rubies offer good color, clarity and size, and are more affordable.

Rubies were the most valuable gems in ancient Southeast Asia, where they are found. A fine ruby had all sorts of magical powers. Its color was thought to come from an undying flame inside the stone - or, in some legends, a piece of the planet Mars - and it allowed its owner to live in safety, even in the midst of enemies. It was believed to bring its owner protection and to stop bleeding. In Burma, it could make one invincible - as long as it was embedded in the skin. In more modern times, rubies became the symbol of love and passion.

Ruby is July's birthstone.

Sapphire

Any color of corundum except red is called"sapphire," although cornflower blue to bright blue is the most popular and sought-after sapphire color. Sapphire comes from the same places and in the same qualities as its sister stone, ruby, with the best color coming from Kashmir and Burma. The name"sapphire" alone refers to the blue variety. All other colors have the color name added to the stone, as in"orange sapphire,""pink sapphire," etc.

Sapphire often has some inclusions, but clarity is still quite good. Its base material, corundum, is the second hardest in existence (at 9.0 on the Mohs scale) and so wears very well. Often, the sapphires used in jewelry are heat-treated or given chemical diffusion to enhance their color; these enhancements are permanent. Like rubies and emeralds, there are good synthetics available for people who like the color but not the cost.

Sapphire is said to be a mind-opening gem. It is supposed to relax the wearer and clarify thought, as well as attract"divine favor." On a personal level, it prevents envy and fraud, and brings truth and good health. It also was said to be a powerful antidote for poison.

The Star Sapphire is an opaque variety of this gemstone that displays a six-rayed star, called an asterism, under certain light. Prized for jewelry, this stone is also available in a less-expensive synthetic.

Sapphire is the birthstone of September.

Sodalite

Discovered in Greenland in 1806, sodalite did not become an important ornamental gemstone stone until 1891 when large deposits of gem-quality material were discovered in Canada. Sodalite is a dark blue stone with white calcite interspersed. It is sometimes confused with lapis lazuli as it also has small specks of pyrite in it. The largest deposit of sodalite is in Brazil.

Sodalite is the stone of athletics, as it stimulates endurance. It is said sodalite will harmonize the inner being or the conscious and subconscious mind. Sodalite promotes peace and harmony, and is thought to be extra lucky for writers.

Sodalite comes in a very narrow range of colors from a dark blue to a violet blue, often with white, yellow or red veining. Sodalite is rated at 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Sodalite should be worn and stored with care to avoid any permanent damage to the stone.

Spinel

A spinel is a mineral made of aluminum and magnesium oxides that often resembles ruby.

Tanzanite

While zoisite has been known for some time, gem-quality zoisite wasn't found until 1967, when a deposit was uncovered in Tanzania. This is still the only source for tanzanite, one of the most recent additions to the gem world. It gained almost immediate popularity both for its scarcity and its rich, blue-violet color. It is often heat-treated to bring out a uniform color. While a prized stone, caution should be used when it is worn in rings, since it is fairly soft (6 to 7 on the Mohs scale) and can be scratched or chipped. Although it usually has good clarity, tanzanite can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners, so alternate cleaning methods are recommended.

Topaz

A hard gemstone, topaz is found in a wide range of colors including clear, brown, yellow, orange, red, pink and blue.

Turquoise

Turquoise is undoubtedly one of the oldest gemstones known to man and has been discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs, dating back as far as 3000 BC. It has been considered a good luck talisman by many civilizations including the Persians, the Aztecs and indigenous American Indian tribes.

The Native Americans believed that wearing turquoise jewelry provided a direct connection to the heavens above and sources of abundant water supply below, whereas the Aztecs believed the stone was holy, and often adorned their ceremonial masks with turquoise gemstones.

Turquoise provides the bearer/wearer with strong, mutually fruitful relationships and lends self-confidence to individuals who may usually be withdrawn. Moreover, turquoise is a gemstone that has always been associated with good luck. For this reason it was often cherished by travelers wishing to ward off/balance bad luck.

Though the most valued of turquoise has a sky blue color, it can also be found in various shades of green to yellowish grey. The blue color is created from traces of copper, while the green shades are created from traces of iron or chromium. Turquoise is rated at a 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness and because it is a reasonably soft gemstone, care should be taken with it to avoid scratching.

White Sapphire

Sapphire has a Mohs hardness of 9, second only to diamond. It is one of the most valuable and wearable of all gemstones. Well known for its brilliance and rich blue color, sapphire actually occurs in a wide range of fancy colors, including white, pink, yellow and green. Sapphire includes gems of every color of corundum, except for red, which is classified as ruby. Sapphire is the traditional birthstone for September.

White Spinel

Known as the great imposter, for a long time, spinel was mistaken for ruby, and several of the "rubies" in the Queen of England's crown jewels are actually spinels. Spinel can be found in a range of shades, including white, pink, purple, orange, blue and combinations thereof.

White Topaz

White topaz is a clear variety of topaz that has little to no color.

White Zircon

A classic gemstone, zircon is available in a wide range of colors. It has a great brilliance and intensive fire.

Zircon

A classic gemstone, zircon is available in a wide range of colors. It has a great brilliance and intensive fire.

Alloy

A mixture of two or more metals created to enhance the strength and/or appearance of a particular metal.

Brass

Both cost-effective and fashionable, brass has been used to create jewelry since ancient times. Brass is mainly a mixture of copper and zinc and radiates a lovely warm reddish-copper glow. Brass items also generally contain nickel, aluminum and occasionally tin, so those with sensitivity to nickel may find brass jewelry difficult to wear. Items made with brass are usually exquisitely detailed. One drawback to brass is its propensity to change color. A coating of oil can usually prevent brass from turning.

Bronze

Both cost-effective and fashionable, bronze has been used to create jewelry since ancient times. Brass is mainly a mixture of copper and tin and radiates a lovely warm brownish-copper glow. Bronze items also generally contain nickel and aluminum, so those with sensitivity to nickel may find bronze jewelry difficult to wear. Items made with bronze are usually exquisitely detailed. One drawback to bronze is its propensity to change color. A coating of oil can usually prevent bronze from turning.

Carbon Fiber

Typically used in men's fashion jewelry, carbon fiber is fiber-reinforced polymer, originally used in vehicles and sports equipment. Is light, durable and strong.

Gold

Gold has the longest and most storied history of all precious metals. It is soft enough to be worked into interesting shapes, and its warm color and scarcity gave it great value in early civilizations. It has been the foundation of many monetary systems, and remains important to our economy even today.

As jewelry, it was gold's softness and natural beauty that made it appealing, in addition to the fact that it doesn't corrode or tarnish. It is so soft, in fact, that pure gold is rarely used in jewelry. It is mixed with another metal, usually copper or silver, to make a stronger gold alloy, or mixture of metals. The quantity of gold in a given alloy is expressed in karats (abbreviated as K or KT). Pure gold is 24K; 18K gold is 75% gold and 25% other metals. In other words, each karat is equal to roughly 4.17% of the total of the alloy.

As the karat weight drops, the metal becomes more durable but less yellow. Sometimes gold that is a lower karat weight will be plated in high-karat gold to enhance the color. This is perfectly acceptable as long as you pay a fair price. Also keep in mind that gold plating will wear off with time and your jewelry may need to be re-plated.

When buying gold jewelry, look for a stamp with a karat mark, the manufacturer's registered trademark and the country of origin.

Gold Tone

Gold tone is jewelry that is electro-plated with gold and has no measurable karat weight, oris gold colored. It provides an expensive look at a fraction of the cost of real gold.

Gun Metal Tone

Gun Metal Tone is a layer of silvery-grey powder coating applied to a base metal - generally silver, brass or bronze - giving the piece the look of silvery-blue-black steel.

Palladium

Palladium is a rare and lustrous silvery-white metal.

Platinaire®

Platinaire® is a patented premium luxury metal alloy of silver and platinum that consists of 97.5% pure precious metal (92.5% silver and 5% platinum by volume). It offers the durability and look of 14K white gold at a fraction of the price. More durable than silver, Platinaire® is hypoallergenic, environmentally responsible and nearly impervious to tarnish.

Platinum Plate

Palladium is lustrous silver-white metal that is 15 times rarer than platinum. Palladium plate is palladium over sterling silver or other base metal.

Resin

Resin is made from liquid plastic that turns solid when a hardener is added. It is typically made from something called"casting resin." Casting resin is a solution of two liquid chemicals that, when combined, create a hard and durable plastic. Resin molds are used to make watch bands, beads, bezels and pendants. Because resin is a plastic, it is not unbreakable. Resin is also easy to scratch.

Siladium

Siladium is similar to Stainless Steel. It polishes to a bright white luster, and is strong and durable. It is usually found in class rings.

Silver Plate

Silver Plate is a layer of silver applied to a base metal, usually by electroplating. This thin layer will wear over time, especially with regular wear or use.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a silvery-white color with a mirror finish that retains its shine and color very well and resists tarnishing. The most popular uses for stainless steel in jewelry are watches, bracelets, rings, earring posts and body jewelry since it is easy to clean, keeps a mirror shine and is strong enough for daily wear.

Sterling Silver

The standard for sterling silver has remained unchanged since 1300 when Edward I of England established an early trade practice rule for silversmiths, decreeing that sterling must consist of 92.5 percent pure silver alloyed with 7.6 percent copper. The term"sterling" refers to the composition of the metal, never to the weight of a finished item.

Silver is much more plentiful than gold; however, silver tends to tarnish, making it less popular in some forms of jewelry. Like gold, silver is too soft for use in its pure state and must be combined with other metals for durability. Jewelry made of silver parts and gold parts must carry dual designations such as"Sterling and 10K."

Titanium

Titanium is versatile, lightweight and strong, with a silvery-white metallic color. This metal is as strong as steel but is 45% lighter in weight, and is similar to platinum in its resistance to tarnishing. This metal has many uses ranging from armor plating, spacecraft and aircraft parts to jewelry design. Titanium's strength, durability, and lustrous beauty make it an ideal choice for jewelry, especially for rings and bracelets that are subject to daily wear.

Vermeil

The word"vermeil" is a French word which came into use in the English language in the 19th century. Vermeil is a combination of sterling silver, gold, and other precious metals, commonly used as a component in jewelry. Usually, vermeil jewelry is a sterling silver item coated with 14 carat (58%) gold. To be considered vermeil, the gold must be at least 10 carat (42%) and be at least 2.5 micrometers in thickness. Gold vermeil is considered the finest of all gold-plated jewelry.